Risk of second cancers after radiotherapy treatment for cancer in childhood

Risk of second cancers after radiotherapy treatment for cancer in childhood

Sharing an important survey: Risk of Second Cancers After Radiotherapy for Cancer in Childhood from Shuang Wang, a PhD student at the Institute of Cancer Research: Royal Cancer Hospital.

“We have put together a short survey to understand your views on this research and to invite you to get involved in future activities. It takes just 5–10 minutes to complete. Every response makes a difference, thank you for being part of this.”

Every year, around 1,900 children in the UK are diagnosed with cancer. Thanks to advances in treatment, more children are surviving than ever before — but for some survivors, health challenges can appear years later. One of these is a second cancer: a new cancer that develops long after the first treatment.

Radiotherapy is a common cancer treatment, but it can sometimes increase the risk of a second cancer in the future. Although newer techniques are safer, we still don't fully understand how different treatments — or combinations of radiotherapy and chemotherapy — affect this long-term risk.

To help support better follow-up care, screening, and information for patients and families, this research will focus on childhood cancer patients (diagnosed before age 18 years) in England using national NHS health records to improve understanding of long-term risks after childhood cancer treatment. By linking several national datasets, we can examine:

• How treatments have changed over time

• How radiotherapy affects the risk of second cancers

• How different combinations of radiotherapy and chemotherapy affect the risk of second cancers.

To make sure this research is meaningful and relevant, we are especially looking to hear from:

• Adults who had cancer in childhood

• Parents, carers, or family members of someone who had cancer in childhood.

We have put together a short survey to understand your views on this research and to invite you to get involved in future activities. It takes just 5–10 minutes to complete. Every response makes a difference, thank you for being part of this.

SURVEY LINK: Risk of Second Cancers After Radiotherapy for Cancer in Childhood

The survey closes on 31 May 2026